MICKEYMAX's SparkPeople Bloghttp://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal.asp?id=MICKEYMAX
MICKEYMAX's Blog on SparkPeople, home of free diet plans and a healthy living communitySparkPeople.comhttp://assets2.sparkpeople.com/assets/nav/logo_spark.gifhttp://www.sparkpeople.com/
Feeling Inspiredhttp://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5885872
Recently, my coach gave me the option to move to having 3 workout sessions with him per week. I was on that like white on rice. He brings an unmatched level of expertise and inspiration to my workouts, and also just to me. What he shares carries over with me to the rest of the week, whether we are discussing challenges, food, people, business or whatever. He is a very solid influencer in my life. AT the risk of swelling his ego, I daresay, he is a very remarkable guy. <BR>
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For tonight's...Mon, 2 Mar 2015 22:14:33 ESTJust an Every Day Thinghttp://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5884860
I'm getting it. It isn't just a once in a while thing. It's an every day thing. I am in the driver's seat to make the best decisions for myself. Even a non-decision is still a choice. It may be a choice I put very little thought into, but it still counts as a choice. <BR>
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good choices I have been making lately include: staying active even on a rest day, eating healthy, tracking my choices, drinking water throughout the day, not just at the gym, taking my meds as prescribed, choosing le...Sun, 1 Mar 2015 13:44:34 ESTPushing me alonghttp://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5883959
Remember yesterday when I said I have been keeping my cool during stressful situations, ... well, not today, but I did go to the gym, met my coach, and worked out my aggression on the elliptical tonight. My coach is working with me to build stamina so we are doing longer bursts of activity on the elliptical and then I get a rest. Last night we did a lower amount, and I was still hurting, but tonight I pushed harder, and last longer, and now I am feeling it in every fiber of my being. <BR>
<...Fri, 27 Feb 2015 22:21:21 ESTConnecting the Dotshttp://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5883430
At some point this week, I started eating really well. It was a rebound from a poor weekend where I started examining myself and my behavior. I found something surprising about myself that I don't know if I was doing before, or not, but it was significant because I noticed it. <BR>
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I ate a bag of chocolate over the course of a couple of days last weekend. I also caught myself eating it "in secret" which is a habit direct from my teen years. Additionally, I enjoyed the chocolate while I...Thu, 26 Feb 2015 23:17:14 ESTMy Pop was the greatesthttp://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5875939
In the waning minutes of Valentine's Day 2015, I find myself shedding a few tears. I've been pretty good all day, but now that I am sitting here in the dark and reflecting on it, I am feeling emotional. So rather than sit on the couch, I am going to write a little something to make myself feel better. <BR>
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My Dad passed away three years ago today. He would have been 85 if he had lived. He was a brilliant man, with a sacrificial heart, an unbelievable drive, and he just couldn't turn do...Sun, 15 Feb 2015 00:15:09 ESTSharing a Little Lovehttp://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5875399
I wondered (for years) as to what my life's purpose could possibly be. Why was I here? What could I contribute? Those aren't questions I ask myself anymore. I know who I am. I know what I want to do. I have no idea how long I am going to be around for - but while I am here on this earth, I am going to continue to be happy, and have as much of a positive impact as I can. That's it. That's all I need. <BR>
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I've had a great week. I worked out hard, multiple times. I ate pretty well. Some ...Sat, 14 Feb 2015 00:20:31 ESTAin't Stopping Now!http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5874768
Met my coach at the gym again tonight! I was sore from yesterday's workout but I wanted to keep my momentum moving forward. We did cardio tonight on the treadmill and on the elliptical. I hurt before, during and after the gym, but that just means are working. Suck it up, buttercup! is what I told myself. <BR>
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I love working out with my coach. We laugh our way through the sessions even when I am huffing and puffing. As much as I loathe the treadmill, when he is talking to me about rando...Thu, 12 Feb 2015 22:27:28 ESTReady, Set, Focus!http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5874155
Hours later I have found that my post workout happy head is still in control. I cannot stop grinning. I accidentally put myself in a weird spot tonight. I ended up with appointments scheduled with both my coach, Hadley, and my other occasional trainer, Onions. So what did I do? I met with BOTH of them, one session after the other. <BR>
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I had my mind set tonight, that I was going to push through those sessions, no matter what. I was going to focus on accomplishing the very best of what ...Wed, 11 Feb 2015 22:42:54 ESTGoing to my True Northhttp://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5873442
I have been thinking about this a lot lately. How am I going to keep steady on this long road ahead to finally conquer my battles to drop the weight and overcome obstacles (mostly set there by me)? My true north is going to guide me there. <BR>
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What's my true north? Quite honestly, I am not sure yet. I have not figured that out. For me, it needs to be something inside myself, something that I have unwavering faith in that I can persevere through anything. Some of the best and worst tim...Tue, 10 Feb 2015 21:24:53 ESTFirst night back and coming cleanhttp://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5872796
I did it. I got back to the gym tonight. If my coach, Hadley, had not told me to meet him there, I might have skipped tonight for a variety of excuses. I didn't though - and now I have that first visit back in a week, I can keep building it from there. I am also meeting him again tomorrow. <BR>
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Going in, I knew this night was going to kind of be a throwaway night for me. I didn't expect a great workout, and I didn't have one. Those first days back can be killers, especially when a roug...Mon, 9 Feb 2015 21:46:25 ESTFinding the pathway to successhttp://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5872018
Finding my way along the path takes a great and hearty effort. It takes a lot of mindfulness and making decisions about who I want to be and believing that I've got what it takes to make it happen. <BR>
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Listening to the lead-up to the grammys on tv in the background that my hubby is watching. These are some super successful people who are being celebrated. What has taken them to this point, besides talent? It includes tenacity, a will to succeed, not backing down from rejection, and a ...Sun, 8 Feb 2015 19:15:04 ESTI got thishttp://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5871507
There is nothing wrong that I can't fix. Life and circumstances put obstacles in my way sometimes, but that doesn't mean I can't find a way around or try something different. I am moving forward. I got this. There's nothing I can't do. One step at a time.Sat, 7 Feb 2015 22:10:56 ESTThe Mix-Up of Food and Feelingshttp://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5870967
How are feelings related to food? I am still trying to figure this one out. <BR>
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I have not been feeling great this week, which was then compounded by catching a cold, off-kilter eating, little movement, and bits of hatred swimming around again. It is all related in a little ugly tale. How does one thing lead to another and suddenly you are eating cupcakes and turning on yourself. <BR>
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Well, not exactly cupcakes. Just the frosting. Yes, we had a staff meeting at work and amongst ...Fri, 6 Feb 2015 23:06:53 ESTWheels go round and roundhttp://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5866194
Do you remember the time you got your first car? How it felt to get somewhere on your own, under your own power? I do, vividly. It was a Datsun B210, the forerunner to what is now called "Nissan." I loved that car. It was a faded light blue/green in the turquoise family (very easily found in any mall parking lot). It was a hand-me-down gift from my brother who was getting another car. I had it for a year or two before it died on me in the middle of an intersection, but until then it was all g...Fri, 30 Jan 2015 22:06:28 ESTStaying the Coursehttp://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5865564
I am the closest I have been to meeting my goals in almost 9 years. I have had a couple of previous times where I achieved a decent amount of weight loss and got fitter. This time though, it the longest duration I have kept at it, and I think it is starting to pay off. <BR>
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Not only am I eating better - and I am eating much healthier than at any other time in recent memory, but I am gaining confidence, recognizing the goodness in myself, facing my medical issues and enjoying the person...Thu, 29 Jan 2015 22:54:09 ESTI Ate a Cookiehttp://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5864838
In and of itself, I ate a cookie. So what? Well, I have not been feeding my body cookies lately - and let me just say this, my body did not like it. <BR>
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I don't know when it happened, or perhaps even how, but I am now learning that my body prefers healthier foods, and is developing a taste for them. What gives? Whose body is this anyway? <BR>
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I used to eat a lot of cookies and other junk. No backlash, if you don't count the pounds I gained over and over. I wasn't left with this...Wed, 28 Jan 2015 22:33:05 ESTSaturday on targethttp://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5861874
There's been more than a few times that hubby and I went out to dinner with intentions of doing our grocery shopping later. Then we'd get to the restaurant, eat until we were stuffed, and be unable to continue on. He would have probably been able to manage solo, but I would end up feeling like a slug and beg off. <BR>
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Tonight, we went out with the same intention. Got to the restaurant and I ordered a cobb salad and a baked potato. I ate the entire potato, skin and all, and the lettuce, ...Sat, 24 Jan 2015 22:22:13 ESTFriday Nighthttp://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5861274
Another productive and healthy eating day down in the books. Not sure what the weather is bringing us overnight, but I am looking forward to sleeping in. I need to re-charge my batteries a little bit this weekend. Hubby is kind of a mess with his arthritis acting up big time, so if we get snow, it may be me shoveling. I think the temps will be warm enough to melt most of it, if it comes though, fingers crossed. <BR>
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I requested leaving work a bit early on this Friday - why? So I could ...Fri, 23 Jan 2015 23:02:38 ESTCoaches, Coaches Everywhere!http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5860641
Talked to my health coach, this morning and had a very positive enjoyable conversation. The health coach helps with stress management, exercise, nutrition and other things and is sponsored through a program at work. Today's conversation was dominated by discussion of Hadley's question posed to me. <BR>
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I also gave her the lowdown on my medical stuff from this week, and next. She gave me some homework about bringing the new blood pressure monitor I just bought to the doc's with me, and ...Thu, 22 Jan 2015 23:10:58 ESTBelieve Believe Believehttp://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5859876
I came. I saw. I kicked butt. <BR>
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I really didn't even appreciate how awesome I did until I was home flipping channels for a few minutes. I started to roll through my workout tonight with my coach, Hadley and realized I did something amazing tonight. <BR>
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Back in the day. when I started working out, I used to complete my workout and go cry in my car. Hadley told me it was my emotions (and hormones) being unleashed and for "some" people this could be natural. I have not done tha...Wed, 21 Jan 2015 22:00:42 ESTWhy ask Whyhttp://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5859039
I've come to a realization tonight. <BR>
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The reason I love my coach is the exact same reason I hate him. <BR>
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When I say, "hate" - I don't mean the kind of feeling - "if I had an anvil, I'd throw him off a cliff," as noted in a blog from Dec 31, 2012. <BR>
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Here it is if you want to revisit it: <BR>
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http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public<BR>_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5576807 <BR>
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This hate is a mixture of the frustration at the highest level (with myself...Tue, 20 Jan 2015 21:16:31 ESTWho will you be in 2015?http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5848368
My lost blog is lost for a reason. While it was an extremely cathartic experience I had in writing that blog, it was a letter to myself, a blog that divulged the good, the bad and the ugly. Those things that I've endured are best left where they are. The blog served its purpose, even though I am the only one who saw it, I got it all out. If I need to re-visit it again, I'll do it with a therapist. In the meantime, though, I've learned a lot about myself. <BR>
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I am incredibly resilient. ...Wed, 7 Jan 2015 08:35:10 ESTBlog mishaphttp://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5847170
I just wrote the best and most honest blog of my life, and then internet explorer opened and closed the tab. Thanks, internet! <BR>
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I'll try to re-write it tomorrow.Mon, 5 Jan 2015 23:18:19 ESTThe Hard Questionshttp://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5838028
Within the last couple of weeks, my coach, Hadley, has posed some interesting questions to me including will I eat healthy on Christmas. One of the questions he asked me a couple of weeks ago is still rolling around my brain..."How do I feel about my body now?" <BR>
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I am not sure if this can be answered objectively or on its own. A lot of time and hard work has brought me to this point. A LOT. But what has happened in all this time? I have changed. I have gone from someone who has give...Wed, 24 Dec 2014 15:29:26 ESTReleasing the Frustrationhttp://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5832159
I am really glad to be starting a new challenge with my BLC squad of Sapphire Beauties this week. Our gang is genuinely supportive, warm-hearted and a very compassionate group. They are one of my lifelines and also give me a lot of support, while pushing our collective group to be more active and eat healthier. <BR>
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This is a good thing. I prefer not to go it alone. Between my SP family, my coach Hadley and dozens of other supporters, I am doing as well as I can expect of myself. It is ...Fri, 12 Dec 2014 23:13:04 ESTNeed to Strengthen My Musclehttp://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5825720
Been off for a few days --- and perhaps that is why stress seems readily available today at work. I recognize that when I am stressed, it is so much easier to chomp on something even when I am not even hungry. I have been trying to avoid this behavior today. I stocked up on a lot of candy for my students this weekend, and I unloaded ALL of it in their offices. Whew! That was a great idea, otherwise, I would have been chewing into that stuff. <BR>
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I am building my mental and emotional s...Mon, 1 Dec 2014 10:23:09 ESTMaking Choiceshttp://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5822132
Here's a peek at today's menu, breakfast (at home) and lunch for later. <BR>
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<img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/nw/4/4/l446434383.jpg"> <BR>
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The oatmeal looks like it is overrun by the raisins and possibly is - but it was a small box of raisins. I don't like mushy oatmeal so I use very little water and nuke it in the microwave for a minute. I made my lunch while it was cooling and in those few minutes, it dried up a bit more and had the texture of baked oatmeal. Not bad, ...Mon, 24 Nov 2014 09:16:16 ESTLucky Blinghttp://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5821334
I have a weird relationship with jewelry. I really enjoy certain styles and pieces, but actually don't wear it all that much. I actually make it too, but that was born out of a desire to keep my hands busy and out of the kitchen. <BR>
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In the last couple of years since my Mom passed away, my sister and I have started a ritual where every Mother's Day we meet at a jewelry outlet and buy ourselves some bling......because "Mommy would have wanted us to." That's the story we tell ourselves ...Sat, 22 Nov 2014 22:10:16 ESTOn the Way to 398http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5821094
I have had a truly amazing week. I stopped bingeing, turned over a new leaf and began eating healthy and did a version of running with my coach. The culmination of those things showed up today, when I went to weigh in and for the first time in recent memory, I weigh under 400 pounds. I am in the three's!!! WOO HOO! <BR>
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This is epic. When I lose my next 70 pounds I will be closing in on the two's. I am over the moon about this, all of it. I had the doctor's office record my weight in t...Sat, 22 Nov 2014 11:48:05 ESTThe New Ten Secondshttp://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5820882
I had an incredibly awesome day with success from top to bottom. I walked to meetings instead of trying to catch a ride, I walked up a big hill instead of taking a shortcut, I ate well and had an amazing session with my coach. <BR>
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First, here's a look at lunch. <BR>
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<img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/nw/2/1/l2136523648.jpg"> <BR>
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Apparently, I broke hubby's prized Tupperware container during the schlep with pasta and veggie salad, so I went low tech today with a l...Fri, 21 Nov 2014 22:48:01 ESTBlazing a Trailhttp://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5820373
There is a thin line between I don't want to and I can't. I could have taken a pill that would have numbed the pain today, but I didn't intentionally. It sounds ridiculous even to me, but this morning I was all about feeling the pain (really soreness) because I wanted to prove to myself that I am working hard and that this is the short term result. The long term result is something else entirely. Something wonderful and it is headed this way. Actually, no - I take that back. Something wonderf...Thu, 20 Nov 2014 23:08:25 ESTPost Workout and On the Menu, Day 4http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5820032
The funny thing about today is that I feel so happy, I am nearly giddy. That's one side, but on the other, I am so sore today, it feels like every fiber of my body is aching. It is a result of last night's workout. I know that. I also opted not to take any "pain" killers today (like alleve) so that when I feel the soreness, it will remind me how killer of a job I am doing. Woot! (I may regret this later, however.) <BR>
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Last night after the gym, I had the remainder of the chicken salad...Thu, 20 Nov 2014 10:37:41 ESTRocking the Comeback Trailhttp://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5819776
How do I feel right at this very minute? Happy. Happier than I can probably put into words. <BR>
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My work day went well - highly productive, and two projects I am leading are going swimmingly. One person that I don't really care for lodged a complaint about me to my boss. I knew exactly how it was going to go for him --- badly, and I was right. Using phrases like "not in my job description" also generally don't go well. I'll admit the episode was a bit fun for me. I'm loopy like that. ...Wed, 19 Nov 2014 22:20:15 ESTTable Talkhttp://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5819569
The healthy lunch is starting to be a happy habit. This morning when I was assembling it, I realized making my lunch is a very loving thing to do. I am feeding myself in a nourishing way - having healthy food - not to mention how much money I have saved in 3 days (prob more than $20). I am feeling very good about this. I have my "mojo" back. I am looking forward to gym visits - and I am being honest --- especially with myself. Despite the probable weight gain I had when bingeing, I am now the...Wed, 19 Nov 2014 14:19:56 ESTFinding My Way Back to my Happy Placehttp://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5819179
Got trapped a bit at work tonight and thus arrived at the gym late --- but I arrived. I did not shirk it off. I still had a 30 minute plus workout with my trainer, Don, and I felt pretty euphoric about it. Why? Because even I can see I am making progress. He sees it too, and shares that. Getting up off the machines is much less of a struggle. I am lifting slightly heavier weights. I crushed the 20 lb. bicep curl bar tonight with 3 sets of 15 reps. I have long hated and struggled with this one...Tue, 18 Nov 2014 21:44:11 ESTDining with the Three Bearshttp://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5818844
My intentions were certainly good this morning. (although one of my late mother's favorite expressions was "the road to hell is paved with good intentions.) Perhaps, a little dark. Nonetheless, I got up a bit earlier this morning, and lollygagged for a while watching NY Times' videos on different cities. I made myself stop after Helsinki, but truthfully, I could have watched them all morning. So interesting. <BR>
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It's good for another booster shot of why I want to lose weight - travel...Tue, 18 Nov 2014 10:02:45 ESTGrocery Stophttp://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5818600
Stopped at Trader Joe's on the way home tonight after working a wee bit late. It was kind of crappy out - weather wise - cold and rainy, but it's my only "free" night for the next 2 weeks, so I went. Stopped for gas on the way. It's nice to have another item crossed off my to-do list. <BR>
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Here's my healthy haul from TJ's tonight: <BR>
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Blackberries <BR>
Pineapple <BR>
Hard boiled eggs <BR>
Turkey breast <BR>
a few assorted protein bars <BR>
some chicken salad (organic chicken, wi...Mon, 17 Nov 2014 22:28:44 ESTOn the Menu Today - Monday 11/17http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5818350
I'm no cook. I haven't been really making meals since I first moved out - and that was a long time ago. After I got married, hubby preferred to take on that role as he prefers food that is highly seasoned. I don't. He likes things super spicy (x-hot), and while my tolerance for such foods has grown, he oversalts for my taste. So, we do our own thing most of the time. Now, I am trying harder. Now that I am realizing that food makes a big difference, I am making a bigger effort. That, and my c...Mon, 17 Nov 2014 13:08:41 ESTJumping in with Both Feethttp://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5817995
I started to write a mea culpa blog earlier in which I laid out all of the things I have been doing wrong, how I crashed and burned and how I veered off course. It feels kind of pointless now, and those I needed to make amends with, I have, so onward and upward. <BR>
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Here's what I have done to pull myself back on course. I drank a ton of water today. I prepared for the week: I did laundry, including all my gym clothes, I sorted through the mail, I set out my protein powder for the a.m. ...Sun, 16 Nov 2014 22:50:44 ESTI Don't Want to be Fat Anymorehttp://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5812482
Out of the shower, looking at myself in the mirror, doesn't make me wince anymore. I am looking at myself thinking the things I don't like can be fixed. <BR>
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I have layers and layers of fat on me. I am under there somewhere. How I've managed to let my soul out under all that fat is a kind of a miracle. I am really beautiful person. I have learned so many lessons, and accepted who I am as I am. But there is way more to me than what meets the eye. However, just because that is true does ...Fri, 7 Nov 2014 09:51:05 ESTBuilding Supporthttp://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5812229
If there is anything smart I have done, it is that I have built a wonderful support team around me. In times of turmoil, and continued difficulties on the job, the place that I can turn to that has become my refuge, is strangely (to me), the gym. <BR>
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In it, I have found some of the most amazing folks. Of course, there is my coach, my trainer, the owner of the gym, the other gym staff, the other trainers, my old trainer (Kimmy) and lots of other folks -= just there to work out also, - ...Thu, 6 Nov 2014 21:49:41 ESTIt's not a competitionhttp://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5807840
I've been having a busy week - not just at work, but at home and a couple of projects I have been working on are closing to a close. All hands on deck! What is awesome through this is that I am still putting myself on the to-do list, and I am showing up at the gym, working out hard with my trainer/coach, no matter what else is happening. <BR>
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I have been gleaning inspiration and information from everywhere. My trainer, Don has a couple of phrases he repeats to me regularly, including,...Thu, 30 Oct 2014 23:15:57 ESTDay 3 - Oh It's Onhttp://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5807195
Approaching midpoint of the challenge this week, and it's looking good. I am going whole hog on this, and doing something which would have been helpful if I started this before now, but the past doesn't matter - just what I am doing now. Two things, actually - 1) I am eating healthier by bringing my lunch with me to work AND tracking my intake, and 2) working out to some extent during the day at work. I had been unhealthily being the poster child for being sedentary at work, but now I am movi...Wed, 29 Oct 2014 21:36:42 ESTDay 2 - What's in my lunch bag?http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5806149
Had to get up extra early this morning to be at work by 6:30 a.m. Blah! I am here though, and I stopped to make lunch before heading out the door. <BR>
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This is one of the key ways I am setting myself up for success! PREPARATION! Making time for myself. <BR>
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In my healthy lunch box today, I have: <BR>
lettuce (didn't eat all of it from yesterday, so I hauled it back). <BR>
ditto on the 2 small boxes of raisins <BR>
2 small pieces of light string cheese ...Tue, 28 Oct 2014 06:56:25 ESTDay 1 of the 7-Day Challengehttp://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5805994
The challenge was given to me as exercise an average of 2 hours a day for the next seven days. This is good, but since I am peeling off for a fresher start, I figured I might as well add my own bits in here as well. <BR>
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I am encouraging myself to be MORE positive. I had several negative down days brought on by lots of unchanneled stress, but now I am kicking it up a notch, and losing the Debbie Downer attitude I have been schlepping around. <BR>
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I am also packing HEALTHY FOODS ...Mon, 27 Oct 2014 22:10:06 ESTRolling Into a New Weekhttp://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5805317
Last week, I was very stressed out from work and I let it take its toll on me. I had to work today and I have to say, I was very positive, even though I did not want to drive up there and work for a few hours. I was in an easy position to help a few people, and most were tickled. I was in the no problem mode today. If anyone had a problem, I just fixed it. Easy peasy. <BR>
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Told hubby I would go to Trader Joe's today, though I just felt like driving home and crashing. I did go, because ...Sun, 26 Oct 2014 22:41:47 ESTTaking Things in Stride, or Nothttp://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5803930
My coach said something to me the other night, which I am trying to embrace and take on as a second nature. It was something like, "You find as you get older, you only need to worry about things a little bit." Tongue in cheek on the "older bit" since he is 20 plus years my junior. <BR>
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Nonetheless, I am working on taking things in stride. There is a situation at work which I am struggling with which causes me to boil inside about it nearly every day. If it is not every day, then it is ...Fri, 24 Oct 2014 11:42:14 ESTGreat gifts in my life: Laughter, Friends, Coach, Love & blogs and change!http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5803679
I need to write at least a short blog, so I can clear my head and conk out for the evening. It's been a long day. I just got home from work (after 11pm) in hopes of catching up enough that the rest of my schedule is not thrown out of whack. I did blow off a session with my trainer tonight (I did tell him) and under the circumstances, I think it's fine. Making it to the gym for a solid 4 workouts is a good start this week. I will ramp it back up to my 5 workouts as soon as I catch my breath. ...Thu, 23 Oct 2014 23:42:54 ESTBeginner's Luckhttp://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5800123
I have to learn to be patient with myself, but not so much that it lets me off the hook. I need to remember I am a beginner in a lot of ways, and when you find yourself starting all over, it is frustrating, tiresome and challenging. <BR>
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At the end of my workout tonight with Hadley, I found myself asking a question that I thought might make him a little mad, but it didn't. If I did not ask him, though, I would let it fester, come up with my own answer which would support my insecuritie...Fri, 17 Oct 2014 23:25:53 ESTMental pushes and major winshttp://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5799559
I gave myself a mental push last night while I was attempting to get off the rower and into an upright position. I said, "you got this, Mar." And I did. Not at first, and not before my coach, Hadley encouraged me to get up, even though I look scared to him. This time I got up on the second shot, while last time around it took me 4 tries. Doesn't really matter if it takes me 10 tries. I am making progress and that is a major win. <BR>
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Tonight I worked with Don, my trainer. I still prefe...Thu, 16 Oct 2014 23:16:47 EST